Former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has joined AS Roma on a season-long loan deal.
The Barcelona defender had recently been linked with a return to Emirates Stadium following a long-term injury to Per Mertesacker, but the Belgian has now made an initial loan switch to Serie A with Roma retaining the option to buy next summer.
Vermaelan has made just seven league starts at the Nou Camp since leaving the Gunners for £15million in August 2014.
A statement released on Barca's website read: "FC Barcelona and AS Roma have reached an agreement for the loan of Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen for the 2016/17 season.
"The Italian club contractually agrees that the participation of the player remains active during the loan. The agreement includes an option for Roma to buy the player at the end of the 2016/17 season."
Luciano Spalletti confirmed on Saturday that Roma were attempting to strike a deal for the Barca defender, saying: "Vermaelen is a player with experience and quality.
"He can build the play from the back and has great character.
"These players are used to playing important European matches."
